Too often, the idea of political convenience keeps lawmakers from doing the right thing. This cannot be one of those times.

In today's US immigration debate, some suggest that we take the easy road and "split the difference" among proposals for reform from lawmakers – to choose political expediency and legalize immigrants without offering any chance for them to earn citizenship.

That's wrong. That's the road to an America of permanent second-class workers, and it's a violation of our basic values. All men and women are created equal, regardless of where they were born.

Something absolutely must be done to address the crisis facing more than 11 million immigrants who call this country home. And America's labor movement believes that lawmakers need to make a road map to citizenship a priority.

Speculation abounds as to what may be included in a final package, but working people and unions know America's immigration policies are broken because they divide families and exploit workers. Almost four out of five voters support a new system that holds employers accountable for complying with immigration and labor laws, while preventing the exploitation of low-paid immigrant labor. These voters want to both improve border security and ensure that aspiring citizens have a chance to work toward citizenship.

The most important element of reform to new American immigrants is a viable path to citizenship, which is also crucial to America's working families, and may be the most controversial aspect.

On the political right, extremists have pushed the divisive message of "self-deportation". They've said a roadmap to citizenship will prompt a flood of immigration and a free-fall in American wages. The opposite is true.

The divisive politics of exclusion has created an underclass of workers who have no access to the opportunities, responsibilities, and rights that come with citizenship. This fails to reflect our shared values as Americans, and it doesn't make economic sense.

Several reputable studies show a "citizenship premium" for immigrants, even when controlling for other factors such as education and language ability.

The premium exists because citizenship allows immigrants more opportunities in both the private and public sector. Immigrant citizens can travel to other countries, which is a requirement of many jobs. With citizenship, immigrants can also join more workplaces and invest with confidence in America.

The Economic Policy Institute has put a fine point on the issue. According to their study, the average adult's income is up to 15% higher and the poverty rate is 3% lower for citizen immigrants than non-citizen immigrants. Researchers at the Migration Policy Institute found that the citizenship premium was even larger (pdf) for Latino immigrants and women, which could help close persistent wage gaps in these communities. Immigrants with citizenship also fared better in the economic crisis than those without it.

Others found naturalization could add as much as $45bn to the economy over 10 years, and the impact on GDP would be even larger once the secondary effects of higher incomes on spending and demand are taken into account. With a process in place, immigrant workers will have a voice in the workplace and can pursue more economic opportunities, which will improve the economy and working standards for all workers.

Comprehensive and inclusive reform, one that includes a pathway to citizenship, is crucial for a number of reasons, ranging from higher wages for workers in the United States, to job creation, to added tax revenue – not just for immigrants' rights, but for the rights of all workers who strive to make a decent living for their families. This is the moment for courage to create a new system that works for all.

Hardworking immigrant families came to this country for the promise of freedom and the opportunity to provide a better life for their children. We're all the better for having hardworking new immigrants as contributing members of our communities, with full rights and equal protections.

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